David Hamilton, 52, letter carrier, surrogate father
He opened his West Philadelphia home to people who needed refuge, love and healing.
DAVID HAMILTON died at age 52, but he probably shouldn't have lived that long.
David was something of a miracle. Born Feb. 15, 1961, he spent his first two years in Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. He was one of the first infant patients to undergo the then-exploratory use of a tracheotomy to allow patients to breathe.
When he came home, he struggled through childhood with health issues, but he always credited his loving family with seeing him through it.
David emerged from this ordeal to become a valuable member of the Philadelphia community, as a substitute teacher in public schools, a tax examiner for the IRS, a postal delivery man, an active churchman and a surrogate father to scores of children.
He died Friday.
David believed that the three-story Victorian home he and his wife purchased in West Philadelphia was a gift from God, and the couple became determined to return the gift.
They created an open door for family, church members, neighbors and strangers who needed refuge, and sometimes recovery from the trials of life.
In their 20 years in the home, the Hamiltons touched many with their benevolence. David became the surrogate father to children whose parents couldn't provide for them. He embraced the role.
"He was lovingly and jokingly referred to as 'King David,' " his family said, "and he ruled his Cedar Avenue kingdom with gentle humor, occasional moodiness and outward bursts of affection with his trademark request, 'Give a kiss, baby!' "
David was an assistant pastor and teacher at Ebenezer Lamp Lighters Ministry in Point Breeze, and director of its evangelistic outreach program.
For church services, David replaced his blue postal worker's uniform with "carefully coordinated suits, shoes and classic accessories," his family said.
David was born to Doris and James Hamilton. He grew up in Mantua and received a bachelor's degree in computer science from the former Spring Garden College.
He worked as a substitute teacher for the school district and as an IRS employee before joining the Postal Service. He became a delivery-truck driver with a route in South Philadelphia. During his more than 20 years with the Postal Service, he became a popular figure on his route.
He married Francine Urquhart in 1989. Their plans to have a family were tragically thwarted with the premature deaths of their two children, Elizabeth A. and David Aaron, and a series of unsuccessful pregnancies.
"What would embitter some men instead ignited David's sense of purpose for how his life would impact others," his family said. "He and his wife would become family for those without."
One young church member who was mentored by David commented after David's death: "He became a father to me. Who am I going to talk to now?"
Besides his wife, David is survived by two adopted children, Michelle Grant and Melvin Phillips, and two brothers, Charles and Dexter Hamilton.
Services: 10 a.m. Saturday at Church of the Holy Redeemer, 24th and Dickinson streets. Friends may call at 9 a.m.